Members of the USA Army Volunteer Reserves Association presented the colors during Monterey Park’s ceremony in front of City Hall on 11/11.

Mayor Anthony Wong welcomed all to this event sponsored by American Legion Post #397 and the city. He was glad to see everyone here. He introduced the elected officials: Mayor Pro Tem Betty Tom Chu was not available but she sent her regards, Councilmembers David Lau, Frank Venti and Mitch Ing, City Clerk Dave Barron, City Treasurer Joseph Leon and Senior State Senator Song Park.

Members of the American Legion Post laid a wreath in front of the War Memorial.  Monterey Park Opti-Mrs. provided the wreath.

David Lau, Frank Venti, Mitch Ing, Tom McCrady, Dave Barron, Joseph Leon and William Sanchez saluted our flag and stood to hear the National Anthem.

Post Chaplain Tom McCrady led the invocation. He asked “Dear Lord, today we honor our Veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called up to serve and protect their country. We pray that you will bless them, Lord. For their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, and our safety. Bless them for the hardships they faced, the sacrifices that they made, and their contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression. In the Lord’s name we pray. Amen”.

Mayor Wong thanked everyone for observing Veterans Day today. He asked for a moment of silence for Riverside Police Officer Bonaminio who was killed in the line of duty. He was also a veteran. He stated President Wilson signed into law Armistice Day in 1938 dedicated to world peace. In 1954 after World War II and the Korean War, President Eisenhower and the 83rd U S Congress, at the urging of veterans service organization, amended the name to Veterans Day. Today we remember all the men and women in uniform who defend us, our country and promote democracy, freedom and human rights for everyone around the world.  He thanked the veterans, police officers and firefighters who protect our city. We need to work together to improve our economy. It is the responsibility of all the elected officials to generate more revenue for us. He thanked the veterans, police officers and firefighters for putting their lives on the line for us. We must work together for a peaceful life.

Mr. Lau called it an honor to celebrate the honor and contributions of all of our veterans. A lot of them sacrificed their lives for us. Some veterans are still missing as POWs and MIAs. We are still searching for them. We must remember them every day of the year. We must respect them so they can have a normal life for themselves and their families. We must continue to fight terrorists. We must be proactive to strengthen our defenses against terrorism. We must be united as a nation and work with other nations. United we stand. He thanked the police and fire personnel for helping to keep us safe and secure. He thanked the veterans for sacrificing their lives for future generations. We must unite to be the greatest country in the world. He asked God’s blessing on all.

Mr. Venti thanked all the veterans for their service to our country. He is a peacetime veteran who served in Korea. Today we honor the veterans for their service to our country. He is upset about the Americans who ridicule our veterans by holding up signs as the young veterans are being buried. Shame on them. He said the veterans of Viet Nam and Korean wars were not honored. Veterans put their life on the line for us to have freedom of speech, religion and so we can live in a free country. It is our duty and obligation to make sure the veterans are treated with honor. Funds should be spent on them and their families. The families also sacrifice for us. You can thank the veterans all day long, not just today. Veterans are proud to serve our country. He asked God’s blessing on America and everyone.

Mr. Ing thanked everyone for attending this service. He read the famous poem by Col. John McCrae called “In Flanders Fields” that was written in World War I about the worst battlefields and death. He thanked all those who helped with the “Salute to Veterans” event held at Mark Keppel High School. They had a slide show that featured the veterans’ enlistment pictures and their current pictures. He said there was a lot of history in their faces. They have a lot of history to share with young people. He asked God’s blessing on America and all.

Mr. Barron thanked all the military members who served our country. He thanked his family members who served in World War II, Korea and Viet Nam. He thanked everyone for coming to this special event today.

Mr. Leon thanked the veterans and their families for all of their sacrifices for our country. He thanked the residents and employees for attending this event.

World War II veteran William Sanchez thanked everyone for honoring the veterans today. In November 1918 World War I was the war to end all wars. He is a veteran of World War II. He spoke about being on Corregidor that was attacked right after Pearl Harbor. He survived the infamous Bataan death march as a prisoner of war of the Japanese. He said their greatest hardship was being surrounded by death. He stated that an average of 200 men died a day from illnesses at their prison camp. He spoke about how the prisoners witnessed signs that the war was ending. After two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan the emperor asked his military staff to seek an honorable surrender. After that day the POWs were treated better and received food and clothing from their fellow Americans. He still remembers to this day when the Japanese turned over the POWs to the 1st Calvary in a formal ceremony. He was finally free. He advised people not to take freedom for granted. It is not free and it could be taken away from you. He suggested everyone visit military cemeteries and see the high price of freedom that was paid for all of us.

Post Commander Ray Villalobos thanked the Council and the community for being here today. It was a beautiful ceremony. He thanked members of Boy Scout Troop #301 and their families for cleaning up the post’s yard. He invited everyone over to the post after the service to enjoy some refreshments.

Senior State Senator Song Park saluted the veterans. He was 15 years old when the Korean War broke out. It destroyed families and their country. He spoke about the battles as the American veterans drove the enemy to the DMZ line, which still divides the country after 60 years. The State has dedicated June 8 to Korean War veterans. We need to continue to fight this cold war. He thanked all whose who have died. He prays for them. He welcomes all those who came home.

Jamie Rodriguez from Senator Calderon’s office presented a proclamation to Post Commander Ray Villalobos for his service to his country in the presence of the Council and Mr. Sanchez.

Mr. Rodriguez remembered his uncle who fought in World War II and shared his stories with him. He served with honor and said always defend those around you.  His uncle was not upset that killed the enemy, the Nazis. We need to respect all the men and women who are serving on the battlefields and at all the military posts.

Mayor Wong thanked everyone for joining with us to honor all the veterans. He asked God’s blessing on America and everyone.